A college degree has arguably never been more important nor more expensive. Scholarships provide financial assistance to students who hope and dream of a college education and to provide ease to financial burdens.
Ella Bist, eighth-grade student at Prevail Academy, was honored with a tunnel of friends at school on June 8. Ella’s classmates, teachers, family, and school leaders created a tunnel as she made her way out to the school’s blacktop where it was announced that she was named a 2021 CollegeBound™ Scholarship recipient. Mark Weigle, principal at Prevail, then presented a giant check for winning the $5,000 college scholarship.
“Ella is a standout scholar in Moral Focus and in academics,” said Weigle. “Ella consistently welcomes the opportunity for new challenges with determination and perseverance. She also takes the time to impact the lives of people around her. She is quick to volunteer in our school as well as her community. This quiet leader is going places and Prevail is proud, as well as humbled, to have been a part of her journey.”
Bist is one of only four recipients of the annual CollegeBoundTM Scholarship, courtesy of National Heritage Academies (NHA). Students from 89 schools in nine states across the country applied for the scholarship.
Bist was selected from hundreds of applicants after being reviewed by the CollegeBound™ Scholarship Committee, which takes into account academic performance, community involvement, and a written essay. The essay focuses on one of three topics, including community service, real-world application of Moral Focus virtues, or influences for their decision to pursue a STEM education track.
“It is our pleasure to recognize Ella as a recipient of the 2021 CollegeBound Scholarship,” said Brian Britton, CEO of National Heritage Academies. “It has been a year filled with change and we couldn’t be more proud of her dedication and hard work in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to seeing the many good things she will go on to accomplish.”
Bist serves as the treasurer for the National Junior Honor Society for more the two years. She also encourages safety at her school by escorting kindergartners to their cars, acts as a role model for young students, and helps teachers keep their classrooms organized.
All NHA eighth-grade students were eligible to enter for their chance at the scholarship. The winners were chosen by an independent professional selection group.
“Prevail is so excited and proud to celebrate our CollegeBound™ Scholarship award winner!” said Weigle. “Ella is so deserving of this award and recognition; it really demonstrates that effort does create ability and success! Our entire Prevail community is so elated of her accomplishment and can’t wait to see where she goes!”
Prevail Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Mount Clemens, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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